Political Dilemmas at Work: How to Maintain Your Integrity and Further Your Career

The Elusive Inner Circle

In any organization, there is senior management—and then there is the inner circle of decision makers and thought leaders who are the key influencers on strategy and tactics. This is where the action is, and it is the place to be if we want to be influential. If we can’t join the inner circle, networking with members of the inner circle counts for a lot. Senior management might dictate strategic direction, but the inner circle not only influences the agenda, it is often the key to implementation. Networking enables us to tap into the most influential people, which not only increases our chances of success, but also speeds things up.

 

• Identify the members of the inner circle—don’t just look for status.

• Notice connections between inner circle members—who supports who?

• Invest in relationships with them now, not later when you might need them.

• Building relationships is about levels of trust rather than hours spent on the golf course.

• Aim to join the inner circle should they come looking for new members.

 

Our charter needs to include a determination to connect with this elusive and ever changing group and to build strong relationships with them.